How does the American Dream affect the function and interaction of different ideas in the community?

Sunday, January 1, 2090

Thomas Paine's- The Crisis

An excerpt from The Crisis by Thomas Paine"...Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state. . .I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but "show your faith by your works," that God may bless you. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection."

REFLECTION: Thomas Paine wrote this pamphlet in order to convince the American public to rally for independence before it was too late and Great Britain had complete control over America. He also uses Pathos, Logos, and Ethos in his speech in order to persuade the readers to consider and embrace his viewpoint about independence from Britain. He addressed the audience's fear of being oppressed by Britain through pathos when he states, "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth." This statement also appeals to Logos or logic. This statement can't be refuted and disregarded. It's a fact and Paine throws it out there to wake up the public to the reality of what will happen if action is not taken. He then continues to speak about how, if we gain independence, those who were afraid and did nothing would appear to the rest. He talks about how everyone should support this movement for the good of the nation and even refers to the Bible in order to try and persuade more to join his cause, saying that God blesses those who show their faith through their works. This is similar to the story of the two farmers who prayed for rain during a drought, but only one farmer prepared his field for rain. The one who prepared his field truly believed that God would provide for him and so would be blessed by God. By using allusions and other phrases that connect to the audience on an emotional level and clear logic Paine was able to help drive the nation to a revolution and independence.

Dear Diary,For the past week there has been deliberations on whether we should revolt from Great Britain, which I mentioned previously. However, now that our town has received Thomas Paine's pamphlet The Crisis, people are discussing the matter with even more intensity that before. Why just this Tuesday old man Turpin got into a heated argument with some of the young men in town on the issue. He wants to remain loyal to Great Britain, mainly because his son has a position of power under the King. However, most of the citizens here have agreed with Paine's statements and are right now away trying to convince their governors to support the revolution.I only hope that we succeed if we try this revolution. This is high treason, and our leaders could hang if they fail and then Great Britain wouldn't give us any rights at all. They'd have soldiers residing in every house in America. I'll be willing to fight for my country's independence and my fellow citizen's rights. I only pray that during this war, when it comes (for we know it's inevitable), we hold strong and fight bravely for our nation.God's peace and protection be with you,Matthew

Essential Question:As the colonies faced the threat of oppression from Great Britain, their American Dream changed to a guarantee of freedom and liberty. This dream changed history forever, driving America into the Revolutionary war and providing a democracy for the world, made by the people for the people. Their struggle was to protect their dream of one day being part of a nation that guaranteed thr rights of the individual over the benefit of the government. They used their dream to fuel their fight for freedom, liberty, and independence and set a shining example of democracy for the world to witness and learn from.